Physical

[vaneramos]

September 18, 2005: Remember this garage door?


Since discovering the concept of wabi-sabi recently, I’ve considered my own body as an object lesson. I’ve reached that juncture where this mortal coil begins to uncoil: nothing drastic, just a rising, irreversible chorus of minor complaints. These formed the central theme this morning in my annual physical exam.

Erectile dysfunction is easily treated.

Arthritis isn’t so simple. Dr. D. added two investigatory blood tests to my usual lab requisition. I can’t say yet whether renewed gym attendance is helping. It doesn’t seem to hurt. At least I haven’t had a serious flare-up since Labour Day.

More subtle is an undiagnosed food allergy, perhaps related to the acid reflux. At the lower end, it has caused negligible discomfort but minor inconvenience for several years. Perhaps it’s nothing more than lactose intolerance. But it’s not a question to leave unanswered; my uncle died of celiac disease. I’ve been referred to a gastroenterologist.

These are accompanied by barely perceptible changes like declining libido and unreliable memory, hardly worth the worry. My health is relatively good; I ought to be grateful.

Still, wabi-sabi refers to an element of impermanent beauty that arouses melancholy or longing. What else can I say? Aging is art.







December 17, 2003







September 17, 2003

Comments

[that-dang-otter.livejournal.com]

Still, wabi-sabi refers to an element of impermanent beauty that arouses melancholy or longing. What else can I say?

Have you seen this? (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/1880656124/qid=1127514454/sr=8-1/ref=pd_bbs_1/002-3424535-2542448?v=glance&s=books&n=507846)

It's a very short but worthwhile read. I don't recall the exact quote, since for some reason my (Japanese) dog chose that one book above all others to shred into a million pieces, but the author describes it something like this:

When a traveller stops to shelter from the rain by tying together the tops of reeds and crouching in the resulting space, that is wabi-sabi. But after he has gone, the reeds are untied, and the bent tops swaying in the wind are the only evidence of his passage, that is even more wabi-sabi.

I liked his explanation of how wabi-sabi is made more intense by greater subtlety and obscurity. I find it akin to the feeling trackers get when tracking an animal. It's the thrill of reading the very faintest narratives, the ones coded most deeply and subtly into the forms of nature, yet still providing a clear message.

[vaneramos.livejournal.com]

Thanks, this is a new concept and very intriguing concept for me. I'll keep an eye out for that book.

[deanarae.livejournal.com]

I read that whole thing trying to figure out how it related to wasabi. All I could manage was that too much wasabi could, indeed, lead to indigestion.

[vaneramos.livejournal.com]

The friend who originally brought the concept to my attention described it as "a different way of looking at decay." Does that connect with the other things I've said here?

Welcome to my journal, BTW.

[deanarae.livejournal.com]

Oh, it all made much more sense when I realized you weren't discussing horseradish paste.

And thanks. I've been reading for a while, having discovered you on another friend's list. (We have a few LJ friends in common.)

[art-thirst.livejournal.com]

Van, I feel so stupid that I didn't know what that concept was called. I do operate on that level yet, sometimes I feel that I'm only playing with ideas in my own head. Thanks. I need to get another book from the library next week!

[vaneramos.livejournal.com]

The other night we were comparing stories about our parents and I mentioned that mine had horribly good taste, that I never knew what kitsch was. Bill (bitterlawngnome) asked me when I learned about kitsch. I said, "Two years ago, when I met you guys." Sometimes I feel incredibly naive. He was also the one who told me about wabi-sabi.

[ubermunkey.livejournal.com]

wabi sabi

beauty in the imperfections or beauty as it is

Lovely stuff Van, this concept made itself known to me a couple of years ago. Just crept right in and opened my eyes to self love. I am who I am, and that is not a bad thing.

Warm thoughts on a Friday night.

be well
munkey

[art-thirst.livejournal.com]

beauty as it is sounds like the Quilts of Gee's Bend. Are you familiar with them? That's also a concept of much of traditional W. African textile weaving with its asymmetry and random patterning. :-)

[vaneramos.livejournal.com]

No, I googled and got a look at some on the web. These are great. As you know I'm fascinated with quilts.

[vaneramos.livejournal.com]

Like you, I've been noticing it for a while, in the world around me. I just didn't have a word for it. In fact, I remember starting to think about it two years ago after LJ got me doing photography again. I was looking at it when I took the two older pictures on this post.

Seeing it as an aspect of my own life, which can be regarded with honour rather than grief, is a new idea.

Cheers,
Van

Cherry Blosom Soul

[ranjtheobscure.livejournal.com]

Boy trapped in time.

Foil for temporary beauty,
aching that the glow
is so brief.

You clutch a bouquet of
perfect moments,
but can only reside in one.

So Van, what do you think?
When we are no longer in time,
shall we see them all at once?

Ranj

Re: Cherry Blosom Soul

[vaneramos.livejournal.com]

Man, I have know idea what we'll see. But this is a beautiful poem. Did you just write it here?

Re: Cherry Blosom Soul

[ranjtheobscure.livejournal.com]

Yes, right here, inspired by your incredible photo of the door.
I was impressed by the multiple views of the windows.

Re: Cherry Blosom Soul

[vaneramos.livejournal.com]

That's beautiful. I'm honoured.

I can't answer the question, but for what it's worth "A metaphor" was written in response.